California Self Drive
There are few trips I have made that have infused me with such a total sense of freedom as a trip that took me and my university friends along the ultimate coastal journey in California. In San Francisco hang out in the coffee houses of Haight Ashbury, eat authentic Chinese food in China Town, ride the cable cars from Nob Hill to Fisherman’s Wharf and then hire a bike and cycle through Golden Gate Park to the bridge itself.
Head south to the quaint town of Carmel with its chi-chi shops and host of upmarket restaurants, bars, art galleries and cafes - an ideal stop for the night for couples, and more sophisticated than neighbouring Monterey. However with its world class aquarium and the boardwalk, Monterey will appeal more to families.
Immediately south of Monterey you hit the Big Sur coastline, a 90 mile stretch of often rugged and incredibly dramatic coastline – at certain times of year one can glimpse grey, humpback and blue whales as they migrate to and from the warm waters of the Mexican coast.
Santa Barbara is a beautiful town with its upmarket bohemian vibe and a genuine Spanish colonial feel – stop here for a few days – there’s nowhere better on this stretch of coast for the beach. State Street is a great place for shopping and dining out and with the nearby wineries and vast amount of water based activities there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied.
End your journey in Los Angeles – personally I recommend Santa Monica as the best hang out place – one of the few destinations in the city where a car is not an absolute necessity. The old fashioned boardwalk and pier are lots of fun. Further afield visit the Griffith Observatory from which you get a good sighting of the Hollywood sign. For a great alternative shopping location head for Melrose with its vast array of independent boutiques and vintage shops. For kids there’s Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm and Magic Mountain theme park, and movie buffs there’s always a good chance of seeing a movie in the making as you explore the city.
Price start from £1700 per person including flights in high season
Have a look at our other ideas for Adventure Holidays in Indochina, Western Australia and Morocco. To find out more about holidays to California, email us or call 0207 359 3938
Wine and Whales in Western Australia
Wineries, beaches, deserted creeks and gorfes and cities of Western Australia
Newsletter
- Tailor Made Holidays
- Luxury holidays Italy
- Luxury villas Umbria
- Luxury villas Tuscany
- Luxury family holidays
- Relaxing beach holidays
- Exotic romantic holidays
- Luxury adventure holidays
- Exciting wildlife holidays
- Cultural holidays
- Holidays in Southern Italy
- City breaks Italy
- Holidays with young children
- Family adventure holidays
- Holidays with teenagers
- Holidays to the Pelion
- Tailor made holidays to Italy
- Tailormade holidays Indochina
- Umbria holidays
- Marche holidays
- Puglia holidays
- Sicily holidays
- Campania holidays
- Basilicata holidays
- Calabria holidays
